NEW MAYOR of Evesham Coun Mark Goodge has revealed his excitement at taking on the chains of office for the second time after being elected unanimously by his fellow town councillors.
The Bengeworth councillor became just the third in Evesham Town Council’s recent history to take on the role for a second time and follows in the footsteps of Ronald Cartwright, Coun Diana Raphael and Coun Robert Raphael.
Ronald Stow, Steven Selby, Coun Fred Kaler and Coun Jim Bulman all served as Mayor for two successive years while Coun Alan Booth served a three-year term between 2007 and 2010.
Coun Goodge takes over from former Mayor Coun Richard Jones and said he was proud to be able to assume the title of the town’s first citizen once again.
“What really makes Evesham the town it is is the contribution of all those who live and work here,” he said.
The hard-working town and district councillor delivered a rallying call for people to visit the town, especially for the Battle of Evesham Festival in August.
“This year will mark the centenary of Armistice Day and I would hope everyone will come along to the War Memorial for one of the most significant days in our calendar,” he added.
His chosen charities for the year ahead will be Caring Hands in the Vale, Evesham Girlguiding and Evesham Shopmobility.
The town’s deputy Mayor will Coun Sue Amor after the popular councillor was proposed by Coun Diana Raphael and seconded by Coun Marlene Sale
Coun Goodge broke new ground during the ceremony by taking a picture of the assembled guests and posting it on his Instagram account.
A number of town councillors paid tribute to Coun Jones for his year in office with Coun Diana Raphael delivering a warm vote of thanks to the outgoing Mayor.
“You have made running a business and having two children to look after a piece of cake,” she said.
“Evesham is a richer place for having you at the helm of the town council.”
The Avon councillor raised £2,000 for each of his three chosen charities; St Richard’s Hospice. Evesham and District Mental Health Support Services and Evesham Adventure Playground and presented cheques to representatives from each of the causes.
“Being Mayor has been a privilege. We have been to so many events and been wonderfully received wherever we have been,” he said.
Coun Jones, his wife Penny and their two children will be emigrating to New Zealand later this summer and the former mayor reflected on his time in the Vale.
“When we get there, I’ve no doubt the question will be asked ‘Where are you from?’,” he said.
“I could say where I spent the first 20 years of my life or the middle part of my life. Instead I will proudly say I’m from Evesham.”
